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Italian Grinder Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad that blends savory meats, crunchy vegetables, and zesty dressing, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
  • 1/2 cup Italian dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Meats
  • 1 cup diced salami
  • 1 cup diced ham
Vegetables
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (a mix of red and green for color)
  • 1/2 cup sliced olives
Cheese and Garnish
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) Optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced salami, ham, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, and Parmesan cheese.
Assembly
  1. Pour the Italian dressing over the mixed ingredients. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  2. Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give it a good toss and garnish with fresh basil.
Serving
  1. Serve this delightful dish at your next gathering or cozy dinner!

Notes

Feel free to customize the salad by adding vegetables, beans, or herbs. For the dressing, adjust the amount based on personal preference.